2008: Escape of the DNC; Day#2b

24Aug

We continued our day and switched Fallen Flags; now the Denver & Rio Grande Western.

But first, before we leave Buena Vista I wanted to share a smile. Beside the Depot is a Caboose listed as Colorado Midland #425 but don’t be fouled, it’s really CB&Q #14364. It fact, they have not yet painted the backside of the display where it still sports it RED color, logo, and road number. When I do my complete RRAdventues story I will share those backside images too.

From here we turned north to Leadville along track that we understand UP might soon abandon. So, we took some time to stop a take a few shots to log certain pieces along the route.

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We reached Leadville and took a few shots of the depot before we continued our drive north.

We continue north over Tennessee Pass and stopped at a WWII Memorial that is very important to Colorado and the Ski Industry.

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This next shot I think my friend HEMI will enjoy!

We continued over the pass to Camp Hale for a few shots there.

Then onto Minturn to catch a D&RGW Depot there as well.

We turn back to Leadville and stopped at Climax Mines that is in the process of reopenning which will be huge for the local economy in this part of the state. There is a nice static display along the highway including mining train equipment.

We return to Leadville for the night to stay at the old Delaware Hotel. Talk about sleeping in an antique store, your room is shown off like a museum piece during the day and you sleep in at night. Nearly all the pieces are also for sale so it’s weird to stay there…